Town backs Coalfields Museum

Collie Visitor Centre manager Fran Kenneally said people would regularly come into the facility to inquire about the museum’s history and development.

“We get a lot of inquiries about the museum and people are really interested in it. I think it has got such a wide collection in there – people ask about the museum and they say: “Is it a mining museum?”, and I say: “No, it’s much more than that”,” she said. 

“It’s a social history collection for Collie, so there is something over there to interest just about everybody, so I think that is a huge part of its attraction and a lot of people like the fact that it is in the heritage building. We have quite a few records over there, early records and things.”

Ms Kenneally said locals and tourists would visit the facility, interested in learning more about the town. 

“There is something to interest everyone and I think a lot of people are really fascinated by history, you get a lot of people that come into Collie that studied Collie when they were at school, especially older people because they learned about coal-mining and many come in and say: “We studied Collie when we were at school,”, so they love going over to the museum,” she said. 

Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray said he hoped the Shire of Collie and Coalfields Museum could work together to re-open the attraction. 

“It’s unfortunate, that the Shire has now taken action but I think it’s time that all parties move forward for the betterment of the museum and the community,” he said. 

“I would hope that a structure is set up that will see the museum opened in the very near future as more and more tourists come into our town.” 

Shire of Collie president Wayne Sanford said the council was searching for an incorporated body to secure the museum before it can be re-opened. 

“The Collie community should take comfort in knowing that the collection is secure and will be retained in Collie for the benefit of future generations,” he said.